Freshman Admission Requirements

The following materials are needed before a student may be accepted into Benedictine University at Springfield. A student is responsible for having all credentials sent to the University. Your application will be considered for admission as soon as all of your credentials are received; students are notified of acceptance on a rolling basis.

Graduation from an accredited high school or completion of a General Education Development Certificate (GED).

Official transcript(s) from high school or GED Certificate to BenU Admissions

Official transcript(s) from all colleges and universities where you received dual credit.

3) Your admission representative may request additional materials if you did not meet the minimum admission requirements. You may be asked to submit:

A personal statement

A Guidance Counselor Recommendation

4) Once your completed application has been received and reviewed an admissions representative will personally contact you by phone with your admission status.

Benedictine University at Springfield’s admission philosophy is to
select students who will perform successfully in the University’s
academic programs and actively participate in University life. We offer
a rolling admission into all of our traditional undergraduate programs,
meaning applications are accepted and admission decisions are made
throughout the year without deadline restrictions. Prospective freshmen should accept the offer of admission and pay the tuition deposit no later than May 1 to secure their spot for the incoming Freshmen class.

Benedictine University at Springfield recommendations for Freshmen Admission:

2.5/4.0 GPA

21 ACT/980-1010 SAT

Top 50 percent of graduating class

Personal StatementA student may need to submit a minimum one page personal statement. The topic of this personal statement is “What are your academic strengths and how will they help you at Benedictine?” The personal statement is meant to be a reflection of past academic coursework as well as your writing ability. It is necessary that you provide all relevant information about your academic performance and high school experience.

Admissions CommitteeThe Admission Committee looks for well-rounded students who will be successful and contribute to the Benedictine University at Springfield community.

If you have any specific questions about admission requirements, your personal statement or the Admission committee, please contact admissions at 217-718-5001.

Submit your official final high school
transcripts with graduation date to Benedictine University at Springfield's
Admissions Office by August 1st to make your admission's file
complete

Kick off the new year with Benedictine
Beginnings and Convocation

Attend your first class as a Benedictine
University at Springfield Bulldog!

We go beyond standards, and excel to Benedictine Values!

Hospitality – Benedictine University promotes diversity and believes that learning from others is just as important as learning within the lecture halls. Students at Benedictine meet and interact with students from all over the world. This diverse environment allows students to discover another perspective and learn from other students' life experiences, creating an enhanced educational experience.

Search for God by oneself and with others – Our strong Catholic tradition and Benedictine heritage promote acceptance and understanding of other religions and ethnicities. The search for God is the search for Truth, which connects all people.

An appreciation for living and working in community – Benedictine University promotes a sense of togetherness among peers and professors and encourages interaction with the outside community. This value instills in us the need to represent ourselves and Benedictine in the best light when outside of the University community.

Development of each person – Benedictine University promotes self-growth and improvement. We seek to help each student transform their potential into the realization of goals and accomplishments.

Emphasis on a life lived in balance – Juggling school, work, athletics and student organizations can be difficult, but at Benedictine University we focus on the need for students to enjoy all aspects of life in such way that one does not overwhelmed the other.

Dedication to responsible stewardship of the earth – Benedictine University promotes community service and "living green." We are continually seeking to develop new and better ways to help the environment.

We go beyond the books

Co-Op

Honors

Career Development

We go beyond lecture halls

Small class – Our average class size is 15 students; the student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1.

Interaction with peers and professor – The Benedictine University community plays a key role in assisting students in the achievement of their goals. Students gain a better understanding of academic material specifically and the University experience in general through personal interaction with professors.

Professor accessibility – Students are encouraged to remain after class with additional questions, take advantage of office hours, and even utilize cell phone numbers that are provided if students require assistance while at home.

Teaching Assistants available outside classroom hours – Students who have excelled in a particular class are handpicked by the professor to offer outside assistance. These tutors offer their experiences and expertise to help students with study sessions and test preparation outside the classroom.

Resource Center – The Resource Center is a study resource for tutoring in math, writing, science and economics. Academic resources and staff are made available to students to ensure that their weakest subjects do not prohibit them from succeeding at Benedictine.

Internships – Real on-the-job experiences allow students to gain confidence and assurance of their major or profession that they are considering. Internships are also a useful tool for making important career connections and enhancing what students learn in the classroom.

We go beyond the typical major

Practicum and Observation hours – This allows students to gain a more thorough understanding of specific professions. For example, students are able to shadow doctors at nearby hospitals, and education students are able to observe teachers in the classroom.

Experienced professors who have worked in the field in which they teach – Benedictine University professors bring real world experience to the classroom. They are able to provide advice and information about the current and future trends of the industry in which students are interested. Professors also assist students to make the necessary professional connections for internships.

Unique course work – Benedictine University faculty constantly push the envelope by creating academic programs and coursework that will allow our students to be competitive and prepared for career opportunities now and in the future. We encourage students to add a minor or a foreign language to increase their marketability in an increasingly competitive job market.

Living in balance – Benedictine University wants to ensure that our athletes succeed on the field and in the classroom. That is why the athletic programs at Benedictine focus on the balance between student and athlete. Study sessions organized by coaches provide additional support outside the classroom.

Coaches as mentors – Our coaches serve as mentors and help students transition from high school to college. They go beyond issues that students deal with on the field. They are listeners and advisors regarding real-life issues that confront students.

Champions who lead – Our athletic programs help student-athletes acquire character traits that will help them throughout their lives, such as leadership, teamwork, dedication, commitment, overcoming adversity and the pursuit of excellence. These attributes are what every employer is looking for in a potential employee.

Friendships for life – The athletic programs at Benedictine University help student-athletes develop friendships and encourage them to demonstrate support for fellow student-athletes.

We go beyond attending college. Our students experience it.

Residence Hall living – By living in the residence halls, students enjoy a unique experience that allows them to connect with other students and make lifetime friends.

Getting involved – There are more than 20 student organizations at Benedictine University that provide students with the opportunity to get involved and meet other students . Students can also create their own clubs.

The Doghouse – formerly known as The Café, houses the campus store and cafe`, has become the hangout of choice for Benedictine students. The Doghouse features televisions and space for large gatherings. Many student activities are held in the Doghouse, including the popular Tunes at Noon

Intramural sports – Don't have time for the commit to one of our 17 team sports, but you still like to be competitive? Intramural sports are a great way to meet friends in a competitive environment. We offer, basketball, wiffle ball, video games, flag football, indoor soccer and dodgeball.